### What is Algaculture?

The type of farming that involves cultivating different species of **algae** is known as **algaculture**.

Algae is regarded by scientists as a future candidate for the replacement of the present food source in existence. The classes of algae that are regarded as food source alternatives are generally known as *microalgae*  and the subclasses under that include

- Phytoplankton
- Microphytes
- Planktonic algae



 The other class of algae known as *macroalgae* is mainly used in industries for commercial purposes.

Alternatively known as seaweed, edible algae is embraced as food in some cultures mostly in Asia like Japan, Korea and China.

### Reasons for Alternative Food Sources

Modern diet is a major contributor to environmental pollution and climate change due to the vast amount of resources required in its production including land, water and energy.

Nitrogen and fertilizers usually have adverse effects on the soil in the long run and leads to the forming of biological dead zones.

The large population of urban centers in the world puts a strain on food materials and production. Large amounts of water(over half of the total volume available) is being used in the cultivation and production of crops . 

Whereas algae can be grown on water which means that the water will still be available for recycling if it is ever needed for consumption.

### The Nutritional Value of Algaes

Algae grows mostly in wet environments, which means it absorbs minerals from the source of water.

The absorption of these minerals makes seaweed also take in lots of known elements that are known as being used in human nutrition.

Seaweed is known to contain considerable amounts of calcium and iron which are important in the provision of nutrients to the body.

A large number of algae are the source of hydrocolloids which are used in the food industry as stabilizers, thickeners and gelling agents.

### Examples of Algae Food

*Purple laver* a widely known specie of algae is used in Asia in the preparing *Nori*. It is also used in some part of Europe in the preparation of laverbread.

Another commonly consumed algae is *Dulse*, which is said to be richer in nutrients than spinach.

Seaweed can be consumed dried, fresh or pickled.